The spare/dining room here needs to serve several functions. It’s a place to sleep, eat and work as well as storing R’s children’s possessions while they are abroad. There’s a fold down bed in the centre of the cupboard which is a clever way to save on space. The table can be folded down too!
Before, paperwork was bundled on the sideboard and table, waiting to be processed. One priority was to find a suitable place for it so that when work is completed it can be kept out of sight and out of mind
We started with the cupboards, and went through the vacuum bags on the top shelf. They’re handy for storing bulky items like duvets and pillows, but they didn’t work well for the bedding. So we removed the sets and folded them neatly together so they’re easy to see and reach. We piled blankets separately and left space for other textiles R may come across in the rest of the flat
The bottom of this cupboard seemed under-used, so I was keen to have it fulfil its potential
First we collected stationery and papers from the cupboard together with the others from the dining room. We sorted them into 3 new categories; for filing, for action and for recycling/shredding
To organise them we used baskets that were now available because of our kitchen declutter. There was also space for stationery supplies to be used day to day
Next we decluttered the daily use handbags, and I hung the ones used often round some sturdy wooden coat hangers. This cupboard is the perfect spot for them as it’s near the door and easy to access
In the other side of the cupboard, we decided whether to keep, donate or sell the rest of the handbags and sorted them by type. Most could be stored along the rail, while the more expensive or delicate ones were kept underneath in their protective covers
The rest mostly belongs to R’s two children, so we couldn’t declutter much, but we were able to organise each of their belongings, sorted by type. Now when they’re next home they can easily access their possessions to sort through them
The photos below show the difference that a functional system for paperwork can make. We uncovered some napkins and made a display with the glassware to create a calm dining space
This corner chair became a place to just leave things that didn’t have a set space, but it soon became a comfy place to sit and read
In order to make all of this happen, R was willing to part with things that weren’t being used, and confronted a whole host of feelings about her belongings. It isn’t an easy process, but she agreed that once we had finished it had definitely been worth the effort. Immediately she moved some work supplies through so she could sit and work at the table again! With the space ordered and cleared up, the room felt calm and welcoming, and we were both really happy with the results
